Peer-reviewed article
Factors Contributing to Pneumococcal Vaccination Hesitancy among Caregivers of Children with Sickle Cell Anaemia in a Resource-limited Setting: Implications for Vaccine Coverage
Ayuba Zakar, Falmata Grema Mustapha ·
Summary
Written by AI, not yet AICS's view · claude-sonnet-5-5This hospital-based cross-sectional study looked at why some caregivers of children with sickle cell anaemia do not vaccinate them against pneumococcal disease. It was done at a sickle cell clinic in Potiskum, Yobe State, Nigeria, with 126 caregivers. Most caregivers (85.7%) had vaccinated their child, while 14.3% had not or were unsure. Hesitant caregivers most often named fear of side effects and vaccine unavailability. Most said encouragement from healthcare workers would motivate them to vaccinate.
Key points
- Of 126 caregivers, 108 (85.7%) vaccinated their children; 18 (14.3%) did not or were unsure of vaccination status.
- Fear of side effects and vaccine unavailability were each reported by 27.8% of hesitant caregivers.
- Lack of trust (16.7%), lack of awareness (11.1%) and high cost (11.1%) were also reported.
- 83.3% of hesitant caregivers said encouragement from healthcare workers would motivate them to vaccinate.
- Hesitancy is linked to both caregiver concerns and health-system barriers.
Limitations
This is a single-site descriptive study with a small number of hesitant caregivers (18), so results cannot be generalised and no causes can be established. The document does not test any intervention, and the study dates given (April to June 2026) are as stated in the document.
Abstract
Background: Children with sickle cell anaemia (SCA) are at increased risk of invasive pneumococcal disease, making pneumococcal vaccination an important preventive measure. However, vaccine hesitancy may reduce uptake, particularly in resource-limited settings where access to vaccines and reliable information may be constrained. Aim: This study examined factors contributing to pneumococcal vaccination hesitancy among caregivers of children with SCA and their implications for vaccine coverage. Study Design: The work was a hospital-based cross-sectional study conducted among caregivers of children with SCA. Place and Duration of Study: The study was conducted at the sickle cell clinic of the Yobe State Specialist Hospital, Potiskum, from April to June 2026. Methodology: Data were collected using a structured, interviewer-administered questionnaire addressing sociodemographic characteristics, vaccination status, and reported reasons for hesitancy. Descriptive statistics were used to summarise the reported barriers. Results: Of the 126 participating caregivers, 108 (85.7%) vaccinated their children, while 18 (14.3%) did not or were unsure of their vaccination status. The most frequently reported reasons for hesitancy were fear of side effects and vaccine unavailability (27.8% each), followed by lack of trust (16.7%), lack of awareness (11.1%), and high cost (11.1%). The majority (83.3%) of the hesitant caregivers indicated that encouragement from healthcare workers would motivate them to vaccinate their children. Conclusion: Pneumococcal vaccine hesitancy is influenced by both caregiver-related concerns and health-system barriers. Strengthening vaccine counselling services, addressing safety concerns, and ensuring that vaccines are available, affordable, and accessible may enhance pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV) uptake among children with SCA.